New York: Hershey sued by New York man for ‘unsafe’ levels of metals in chocolate

A lawsuit filed in New York states that the confectionery giant hershey It “fails to disclose” that some chocolate products “contain unsafe levels of lead and cadmium.”

New York resident Christopher Lazarus filed a lawsuit in Long Island federal court on December 28. Lawsuit Against Mass Market Chocolatiers in 1988 got A license to manufacture Cadbury products in the United States seeks class action status.

The lawsuit came two weeks after Consumer Reports. Posted an article Claim some Hershey Dark chocolate products beyond California Criteria for maximum permissible dose levels (MADL) for lead and cadmium.

There are no federal restrictions on lead and cadmium for most foods. A Consumer Reports scientist used the California standard, deeming it “the most protective available.”Lead Content for Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet, According to Report chocolate The bar has passed the California MADL.

lawsuit filed in New York It lists other Hershey items highlighted in Consumer Reports’ publication, including Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily’s Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa.

Hershey’s to acquire Lily’s for $425 million in June 2021 According to the company.

The complaint alleges that consumers look to product packaging and labels before purchasing. It claims to be “false, deceptive and misleading.”

“High levels of lead and cadmium in food are important to rational consumers because even small amounts of these chemicals pose serious health risks,” the lawsuit asserts.

Consumers had no independent way of knowing the lead and cadmium content of Hershey’s products before purchasing, the lawsuit states.

Customers therefore rely on Hershey to be “truthful about ingredients, including the presence of lead and cadmium in their products,” the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit alleges that Hershey “knew, and was not unaware of, the presence of lead and cadmium in the product.” in it ”.

Lazarus claims he “paid a premium” to do so because he believed he was buying a product that contained “dark chocolate ingredients only.” Due to allegations of “misrepresentation and omission” regarding the presence of heavy metals, Lazarus claims he and other consumers were “injured for the premiums paid.”

Lawyers for Hershey and Lazarus did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lazarus doesn’t claim he got lead poisoning from eating Hershey’s chocolate. The lawsuit focuses on alleged misconduct related to marketing practices.

When exposed to high levels of lead, health problems Including anemia and weakness. In extreme cases of lead poisoning, it can damage the kidneys and brain. Children exposed to lead are at risk of brain and nervous system damage, learning and behavior problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, cadmium can be dangerous in large amounts.